Debra Messing was nervous about performing a solo on TV but ended up "having a ball".

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The red-haired actress stars as Julia Houston in the NBC musical drama and takes on her first solo performance in the new series.

Working alongside professional singers made the experience daunting for the 44-year-old.

"This season, you're going to see Julia sing for the first time in her own solo. That was kind of a big deal for me. It was a little traumatising," she admitted to Parade.

"The bar was set incredibly high with the likes of Megan Hilty and Kat [Katharine] McPhee and everybody else, so I was a little intimidated. But I ended up having a ball and it was an exciting day. We ended up shooting in the Plaza Hotel and this beautiful bar, and they put smog and smoke in to make it look romantic and sexy. I'm pretty excited about how it turned out."

The programme has dealt with slipping ratings, meaning NBC has moved Smash from its primetime Tuesday evening slot to the less-desirable Saturday night.

Despite being disappointed, Debra is looking on the bright side.

"It's sad. I think that everyone involved in Smash has loved the concept and the world that we've been playing in, and we all wish that it performed better than it has," she sighed.

"But it's the business of television. It's erratic and it's something you can't control at all. We still don't know what's going to happen, but we're all really proud of it."

Smash has not yet been confirmed for a third season, but the star has plenty to keep her going should the series end.

As well as signing on to a pilot episode for an under-wraps new comedy, she is mother to son Roman, who turns ten in April.

This year she took home the Outstanding Mother Award from the National Mother's Day Committee.

"I was overwhelmed. I really was. It's the job that I take most seriously in my life and I think it's the hardest job. Every day is a challenge and it's an honour to be recognised," she smiled.

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